Sharpening perceptions of reality and providing spiritual guidance for those in the crux of wilderness experiences. Substantial spiritual nourishment for those who know or sense that Christ is anything but shallow. Encouraging readers to radically (which to Christ is normal) serve God and others.
The author is teaching herself and others to read the world through the lens of the gospel and to become active participants in the local and worldwide body of Christ.

Dec 29, 2009

Does a Large Congregation Mean a Church and Pastor Are Blessed by God?

"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"

John 6:60 (NIV)

"From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." John 6:66 (NIV)

As we traveled south on I-75 in western Ohio, my husband Shawn and I wondered whether or not the following was true: huge church = blessing of God. A comment we heard by a popular preacher sparked the discussion. She said something like, "Small churches of 80-150 are that small because they're not being Jesus to others." She is the pastor of a very large church--a church with thousands upon thousands of people.

I get what she is saying. I believe she would say that Jesus attracted people to himself, so people (who are hurting and searching) would want to come to our churches if we were being Jesus to them. If people aren't coming to our churches, it's because we're not being Jesus to those around us.

I grant her point. But then I think about some mega-churches with thousands attending. It is probably true that these pastors are charismatic, good at amassing followers, and good at telling parishioners what they want to hear. Yet perhaps they're more in love with money, fame, and prestige. Because it just is the case that in some of these churches pastors don't share the gospel and good news of the kingdom; they share and spread heresy. The Old Testament indicates that the nation of Israel was full of false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear. Consequently, it should be no surprise that false prophets infiltrate our churches today (and they're not just in mega-churches!).

There are pastors of small congregations who are wonderful people and powerful preachers--who follow Jesus daily and still have tiny congregations. What gives?

Well, I am not completely sure and the answer to that question isn't within the scope of this little post. I will just say that Shawn and I concluded the obvious: huge church does not necessarily = the blessing of God. A corollary is: small church doesn't necessarily = curse of God.

Jesus had huge crowds following him. His popularity threatened the religious rulers of his day. However, in John 6, when he told the crowds that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood, many turned away. The number of followers shrank because of the offense of the gospel. The gospel is offensively good news.

If we are preaching and living the truth in our churches--following Jesus with our hearts, souls, strengths and minds, many will be attracted but some will be repelled.

1 comment:

This is something my husband and I have questioned ourselves. We ourselves are from a small church and have many friends who attend mega-churches. I agree with your conclusion. Sometimes I have concerns for my friends who attend large churches. I fear that the Gospel is watered down and the depth of their relationship with Chirst is shallow. I believe this also happens in small churches, and conversely that deep relationships are possible in large churches. Just a few random thoughts on the subject I suppose. Thank you for devling into this topic. Interesting to see another opinion on such.

Gracious Christians Unite!

Marlena's Words in Other Places ~ click on the links

Read Old Books. They Expand Our Souls.

One excellent way to see how much our culture's passing weather patterns have influenced us is to read old books. If you recieve all your information from contemporary writers, Christian or secular, you will never perceive whole concepts that people in other generations could see. (For example, earlier generations of Christians perceived a power in sexual purity that eludes us completely; we can only fall back on "don'ts"). Every Christian should always have at his bedside at least one book that is at least fifty years old--the older the better.

"To be commanded to love God at all, let alone in the wilderness, is like being commanded to be well when we are sick, to sing for joy when we are dying of thirst, to run when our legs are broken. But this is the first and great commandment nonetheless. Even in the wilderness - especially in the wilderness - you shall love him." —Frederick Buechner

Las Lajas Cathedral

About Me

In seminary, my pastor friends dubbed me a modern-day Christian mystic, a contemplative. I've been called to preach through the pen (or keyboard as technology has it). I've accepted my gifts and hope to nourish readers with the nourishment I've received. I'm married to my soulmate,Shawn. He's a philosophy professor. And I graduated from Northeastern Seminary (a truly great place) with an M.Div. and gave birth to a beautiful human being, my daughter Iliana, almost within the same week. I am a regular contributing writer for Christianity Today's Her.meneutics Blog and a proud member of the Redbud Writers Guild. If you are nourished by what you read, please pass it along to another wilderness traveler.